School-Based Integrated Care Within Sydney Local Health District: A Qualitative Study About Partnerships Between the Education and Health Sectors

Introduction: The unmet physical and mental health needs of school-aged children (5–18 years) in New South Wales (NSW), stemming from poor access and engagement with healthcare, can be addressed by school-based integrated care (SBIC) models.

This research aims to understand why and how partnerships between the health and education sector, in SBIC models, are important in providing care for children, and to identify the facilitating factors and barriers for implementation.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The principles of the ‘Integrated People-Centred Health Service (IPCHS)’ framework and Looman et al’s (2021) implementation strategies for integrated care were considered.

Results: Themes within IPCHS framework: Strategy 1: Engaging and empowering people and communities – community-driven models, improved access to healthcare, positive outcomes for children and families, ‘connection’, and service provision for marginalised populations; Strategy 2: Strengthening governance and accountability – system integration and developing evidence base; Strategy 3: Reorienting the model of care – shifting healthcare to schools reduces inequity and provides culturally safe practice; Strategy 4: Coordinating services within and across sectors – integrating care and stable workforce; Strategy 5: Creating an enabling environment: leadership, stakeholder commitment, and adequate resourcing.

Discussion: Potential strategies for implementing SBIC models across NSW include community consultation and co-design; building multidisciplinary teams with new competencies and roles e.g. linkers and coordinators; collaborative and shared leadership; and alignment of operational systems while maintaining a balance between structure and flexibility.

Conclusion: SBIC models require high-level collaboration across sectors and with communities to provide a shift towards child and family centred care that improves engagement, access and outcomes in health delivery.